The Starke County Commissioners welcomed comments from the public Tuesday night on how to spend $4.4 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds from the federal government.
Debbie Wappel asked the commissioners to consider an extensive broadband project as many people are working from home and it would be a great benefit in rural areas. She also asked to use some funds to help beautify the San Pierre area, especially along U.S. 421. She commented there are several properties that showcase junk and it is an eyesore to those who travel through San Pierre. She also asked that the commissioners rethink providing funds for food services as she gets many requests from places to take food that people do not take from food pantries and service organizations. She commented that she often uses that food to cook meals for the elderly who greatly appreciate it.
Steve Dodge asked to use funds toward the rehabilitation toward the old depot, the caboose, and the Rochester Bridge in Wythogan Park in Knox. He also suggested putting point of interest signs in Starke County to direct people to historic places and to heighten tourism in the county.
The commissioners noted that broadband is one of the top projects planned with the funds that the county will receive.
No other comments were made.
Auditor Rachel Oesterreich asked the commissioners for permission to hire Baker Tilly to assist with projected revenue losses reports. She said the paperwork is extensive and it is audited. She said it would take $3,000 to hire the company representatives to do the consulting services and it could be paid out of the American Rescue Plan Act funds. The commissioners agreed to take that into consideration.
